# First Phrases Lite vs Buddy’s timer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: First Phrases Lite at 86% against Buddy’s timer's 0%. First Phrases Lite also leads on rating (3.7 vs 3.0). Buddy’s timer's advantage is monetization model (free vs paid) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 16.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

First Phrases Lite holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of First Phrases Lite's written reviews are positive against 0% of Buddy’s timer's.

First Phrases Lite ships an update every 4 months, Buddy’s timer every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Phrases Lite | Buddy’s timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases-lite/id460291615/reviews)** | [3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddys-timer-buddys-aba-apps/id526669062/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **86.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 612 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamaguchi Learning & Development, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/460288922) | [Digital PlayWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/516516836) |

## What reviewers say

### First Phrases Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases-lite/id460291615)

This app helps toddlers and children learning basic English phrases to develop language skills. It uses interactive animations and audio to teach verb-noun combinations, encouraging both listening and speaking practice.

**Highlights:** Interactive animations, Audio and visual learning, Record and playback speech, Verb + noun phrase practice, Speech therapy support, Early literacy development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for speech therapy
- 👍 Kids love the app
- 👍 Effective for longer phrases
- 👍 Engages young students
- 👍 Good for special needs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Upgrade credit issue
- 🐛 Animations look simple
- 🐛 Recording time too short
- 🐛 Phrases need tapping multiple times
- 🐛 Slower responses on iPhone

**Reported bugs**

- Upgrade credit issue
- App doesn't work right anymore
- Same verb every time
- App is slow to recognize touch
- Record button freezing on launch

**Requested features**

- Credit for light version upgrade
- App to improve articulation
- Longer recording time
- Option for British narrator
- Detect speech for animation


### Buddy’s timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddys-timer-buddys-aba-apps/id526669062)

This app helps young children, including those on the autistic spectrum, understand the concept of time. It visually represents remaining time for activities, reducing frustration associated with waiting. Settings range from 1 to 60 minutes with audio and secure screen options.

**Highlights:** Visual time representation, Reduces waiting frustration, Settings from 1-60 minutes, Secure screen mode, Piano key chime, Suitable for autistic children

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Phrases Lite free?

First Phrases Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Buddy’s timer free?

Buddy’s timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, First Phrases Lite or Buddy’s timer?

First Phrases Lite is rated higher. First Phrases Lite averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Buddy’s timer averages 3.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do First Phrases Lite or Buddy’s timer have ads?

Neither First Phrases Lite nor Buddy’s timer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Phrases Lite or Buddy’s timer?

First Phrases Lite ships an update every 4 months, and Buddy’s timer every 2 months. Most recently, First Phrases Lite was updated on November 6, 2026 and Buddy’s timer on November 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*